The Erwin (Asheville, NC) varsity football team will play West Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) in a home playoff game on Friday, November 29, at 7:00 PM.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: North Carolin High School Football
Who: West Charlotte vs Erwin
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m ET
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Football Championships – 3A
Live Stream: Watch Here

Game Preview: West Charlotte vs. Erwin

The West Charlotte Lions (9-2) face the Erwin Warriors (10-1) in an exciting playoff matchup. With both teams showing strong performances throughout the season, this game promises to showcase high-scoring offenses and aggressive defenses. West Charlotte enters with a strong 9-2 record, while Erwin comes in at 10-1, undefeated in conference play. Both teams have been dominant in their respective leagues, and this playoff encounter will be crucial as they battle for a spot in the next round.

Season Recap

West Charlotte

• Record: 9-2
• Conference Record: 5-2
• Points Scored: 445
• Points Allowed: 83
• Key Player: Jamouri Nichols (185.8 passing yards per game) has been a dynamic leader for the Lions, along with Aidan Turner (54.7 rushing yards per game) providing balance in the backfield.
• Strengths:
  • Offensive Firepower: With an average of 40.5 points per game, West Charlotte can score quickly and in bunches.
  • Strong Defense: Their defense has been stingy, allowing only 83 points throughout the season.
  • Balanced Attack: The combination of strong rushing and passing yards makes them unpredictable on offense.

Erwin

• Record: 10-1
• Conference Record: 5-0
• Points Scored: 485
• Points Allowed: 216
• Key Player: Caden Ingle (261.3 passing yards per game) has been the engine for the Warriors’ high-powered offense, with De’aijaha “Milky” Ray (100.9 rushing yards per game) providing an effective running game.
• Strengths:
  • High-Scoring Offense: Averaging 44.1 points per game, Erwin has been explosive.
  • Big Play Potential: With Caden Ingle at quarterback and De’aijaha “Milky” Ray at running back, they have the ability to break off long touchdowns and control the game’s tempo.
  • Defensive Stoppers: Despite their high-scoring offense, their defense, led by Lawson Reynolds (9.6 tackles per game), is aggressive and can make big plays.

Key Stats and Comparisons

Players to Watch

West Charlotte

• Jamouri Nichols (QB): Nichols has been central to West Charlotte’s offensive success, throwing for 185.8 yards per game. His ability to stretch the field and connect with receivers will be key to the Lions’ chances.
• Aidan Turner (RB): Turner has contributed 54.7 rushing yards per game. His ability to move the chains and maintain possession could help keep Erwin’s offense off the field.
• Michael Griffin Jr. (LB): Griffin has been solid on defense, with 8.0 tackles per game, and will need to step up against Erwin’s high-powered attack.

Erwin

• Caden Ingle (QB): Ingle has been electric, passing for 261.3 yards per game, and will be tasked with exploiting West Charlotte’s defense. His ability to connect with Michael Petty (112.9 receiving yards per game) will be vital.
• De’aijaha “Milky” Ray (RB): Ray has been the workhorse for Erwin, rushing for 100.9 yards per game. If he can establish the run, it will set up big play opportunities for Ingle.
• Lawson Reynolds (LB): Reynolds leads the defense with 9.6 tackles per game. His presence in the middle of the field will be critical in stopping the run and keeping Nichols in check.

Key Matchup: West Charlotte Defense vs. Erwin Offense

Erwin’s offense is one of the most potent in the state, averaging over 44 points per game, but West Charlotte’s defense has been outstanding, allowing just 7.5 points per game. The ability of Michael Griffin Jr. and his teammates to limit Caden Ingle and De’aijaha Ray will be the deciding factor. If West Charlotte can contain Erwin’s explosive offense and make plays on defense, they could pull off an upset.

Prediction

Both teams bring strong offenses and solid defenses to the table. However, Erwin’s 44.1 points per game and Caden Ingle’s ability to lead the passing game gives them the slight edge. While West Charlotte’s defense is formidable, Erwin’s ability to score quickly may prove too much for the Lions to handle.